The cost of two mounts for a basketball goal frame and 5 mini basketballs for this proposal is $277, including shipping and <a target="new" href="http://www.donorschoose.org/html/fulfillment.htm" onclick="g_openWindow('http://www.donorschoose.org/html/fulfillment.htm', 300, 800, 'fulfillwindow');return false;">fulfillment</a>.
Balls! What is their magic for children? They can bounce, you can kick them, throw them, dodge them, and chase them. They make a nice sound when they bounce on the ground. And, the big kids use them! Magic, indeed.
Last year someone generously donated two small basketball hoops made from PVC pipe. I cannot tell you how much our Kindergarteners loved them. They used them until they were totally covered with silver duct tape and they barely made it to the last day of school. Every one of my children used those two hoops, from the most athletic boys to the smallest and most timid! They learned to share and take turns. Their confidence improved immensely and they did not flinch as balls came toward them. Their large muscles got a daily workout and, as we all know, moving those big muscles improves brain power. On the last day of school we sadly dropped those bedraggled things into the trash.
Now it is time to get serious and request "real" basketball hoops that can be mounted permanently on the side of our Kindergarten classroom. They will be used every day and another group of little ones will grow in confidence and strength. They will work on those large muscles and build their brains as well.
Our school population is very mixed, socially, ethnically, economically. Many children come from homes that are already stressed on many levels. One small crisis and they can have difficulty coping and giving the best care for their children. A large proportion of our kids are on free or reduced lunches. To keep them safe, many families keep their children indoors watching T.V. or playing video games which is not good for those little growing brains! They need to be outside? running, jumping, thriving!! And two simple basketball hoops and a few basketballs can accomplish all this. Isn't that amazing?
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Mrs. H. and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.